Samsung Expands Audio Empire with Harman's Major Premium Segment Deal

Samsung’s audio empire deepens as Harman acquires iconic audiophile brands in a $350M premium segment deal.

If you’ve been following the tech giant Samsung, you know they’re not just about sleek smartphones and smart TVs. Their foray into consumer audio has been nothing short of impressive, largely thanks to their acquisition of Harman in 2016 for a staggering $8 billion. That move already put them on the map in the audio world, but now, Samsung’s audio ambitions have taken a giant leap forward.

Harman, the Samsung subsidiary, has just inked a new deal that’s set to fold some of the most revered audiophile brands right into Samsung’s growing sound empire. If you’ve ever drooled over high-end speakers or amplifier setups, names like Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, and Polk should ring a bell — and now, they’re under Samsung’s umbrella.

Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Polk: A New Era Under Samsung

Samsung’s deeper dive into audiophile territory came with Harman acquiring Sound United, the once-consumer audio division of Masimo, for $350 million—a deal first announced back in May. This acquisition bolsters Samsung’s already impressive audio portfolio, which includes heavyweights like Harman Kardon, JBL, and AKG.

Interestingly, Masimo, the previous owner, was recently involved in a legal tussle with a certain tech titan over Apple Watch patents, but that’s a whole other story.

This deal is more than just numbers—it’s a “strategically important milestone” for Harman, signaling Samsung’s commitment to owning a significant slice of premium audio.

Bowers & Wilkins and Denon join Samsung’s expanding audio family.

What Does This Mean for Samsung’s Other Products?

You might be wondering if this means the next Galaxy S26 smartphone will come bundled with top-tier Bowers & Wilkins headphones or speakers. Sadly, that’s not on the horizon just yet. Sound United will operate as an independent unit within Harman, focusing on lifestyle audio rather than mass-market smartphone accessories. This move is clearly designed to preserve each brand’s unique identity and heritage.

Samsung’s approach seems to emphasize collaboration without suffocating these iconic brands’ individual styles. Through Harman, Sound United brands gain access to Samsung’s vast resources, promising an expansion in reach and innovation, while still holding onto their distinct audiophile roots. It’s a lot like adding new flavors to a family recipe without changing the original taste too much.

Comfort Beats Hi-Fi: The Audio Listening Landscape Today

As an avid music lover, I admit I’d love to see Samsung push mobile Hi-Fi to the next level. But let’s be honest—today’s listeners favor convenience over uncompromising sound quality. Streaming services with compressed audio over Bluetooth are the norm, and frankly, most folks don’t notice (or mind) the difference.

The high-fidelity sound revolution feels more niche now, with comfort and accessibility stealing the spotlight. For many of us, that means enjoying music anytime, anywhere, without fussing over audiophile-grade gear—though for true enthusiasts, this new Samsung portfolio might just be the best thing yet.

“Comfort has won, and now we're used to listening to compressed sound from streaming services via Bluetooth.”

Wrapping It Up: Samsung’s Sound Strategy

Samsung’s acquisition of Sound United through Harman is more than a business deal—it’s a statement. The company is playing the long game, blending premium audio craftsmanship with its global tech reach. While your next smartphone probably won’t come with a Bowers & Wilkins speaker in the box, the ripple effects of these acquisitions will surely elevate the entire audio ecosystem.

It’s exciting to imagine how these legendary brands will innovate under Samsung’s wing while keeping their unique charm alive. Whether you’re a casual listener or a devoted audiophile, keep an ear out for what comes next from this audio powerhouse.

FAQ

• How much did Samsung pay for Harman in 2016?
  Samsung acquired Harman for $8 billion, marking its serious entrance into the audio world.
• What brands did Harman’s latest acquisition include?
  The deal brought Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk, and others into Samsung’s audio family.
• Will Samsung smartphones include these premium audio brands?
  Not immediately. Sound United operates independently within Harman, keeping brand identities distinct.
• How does this acquisition impact audio quality on Samsung devices?
  While improvements may come, convenience and streaming remain dominant in mobile audio experiences.
• Why is this acquisition significant for Samsung?
  It’s a strategic milestone that deepens Samsung’s footprint in the premium audio market.

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